“There’s a tremendous amount of art in dentistry in general,” said Rothenberg, an orthodontist with offices in Madison and West Caldwell.

Orthodontics is art with a purpose. Rothenberg said he takes a “comprehensive approach” in his work. “What that means is we’re not only trained to get the best aesthetic result possible, but making sure we have a healthy, functional bite,” he said.

Rothenberg, who entered practice with a partner in 2004 and became sole owner in 2008, said that one of the biggest differences he’s seen in orthodontics is the “cool” factor. “Kids are excited to get braces,” he said. “It’s not like it used to be where the orthodontist was dreaded. Nowadays it’s fun, it’s exciting and it’s much easier.”

The technology has changed, too. Rothenberg said the braces are much smaller, and the types of wires used make it easier for the patient.

“Wires are much lighter, more flexible, much longer-acting,” he said.

The challenge of fitting braces is one of the things that drew him to specialize in orthodontics, Rothenberg said. “I like building things, I like doing things with my hands, and it’s one of those things – when I started bending wires, it just clicked,” he said.

Some of his work involves alternatives to braces. He is certified to fit the Invisalign system of retainers. Rothenberg explained the patient wears a retainer for two weeks, 24 hours a day, and then exchanges it for the next one in the set. “Each set pushes the teeth further along to where we want them to go,” he said.

The Invisalign system is popular with adults, but he said that they are not an appropriate treatment for everyone.

While he sees both adults and children in his practice, the majority of his patients are the kids.

Rothenberg said that children generally would start seeing an orthodontist at age 7 or 8. Many patients are referred by their dentists, while others come to him through word of mouth, according to Rothenberg.

And it’s the relationship with his patients that Rothenberg said he values most. “We’ve developed relationships with people where they almost become like second families,” he said. “I have families where we treat seven or eight kids; you’re together a very long time with some families. It’s nice that way. We all know each other.

Rothenberg and his family, wife Jennifer and sons Ian, 5, and Jordan, 11 months, live in Livingston.

LIVINGSTON, NJ — For the seventh consecutive year, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges—which includes the West Essex YMCA and six other branches—has received the top rating from the largest charity evaluator in the U.S. for its strong financial health and commitment to transparency and accountability.

LIVINGSTON, NJ — As the final week of the regular season approached, the Livingston High School (LHS) bowling team sat in second place, only one point behind revival Seton Hall Prep. In the end, the Lancers came away with a conference title, and landed in second and ninth, respectfully, for the county and state tournaments.

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston High School’s (LHS) Band Boosters will host its annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance on March 3 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the LHS cafeteria, which will be transformed into a nightclub for a night of music and a buffet dinner, catered by Il Giacalone’s.

The Livingston Lancer and Lab Jazz Bands will be performing a full repertoire of songs, ...

NEWARK, NJ – The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently honored the Essex County Environmental Commission, recipient of an Environmental Achievement Award granted by the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), during a special presentation at the Hall of Records in Newark.

As one of six local environmental commissions awarded, the Essex County ...

LIVINGSTON, NJ – As part of an ongoing series of budget discussions at the Livingston Board of Education (LBOE) meetings this winter, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Capone-Steiger gave a presentation on Monday about some of the impactful changes recently made to special education programming within the Department of Student Services.